|
BusinessSource Centers Overview
EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers (BSC) offer a wide range of FREE direct services, technical assistance, and resources to help emerging entrepreneurs as well as established local businesses reach the next stage of growth.
| |
 | |
Grand Opening of the South Valley WorkSource Center in CD3
On April 11, 2024, the Economic and Workforce Development Department's (EWDD) partner Equus Workforce Solutions opened its doors to the South Valley WorkSource Center (WSC). Among attendees present for the celebration were Councilmember Bob Blumenfield (CD3) and EWDD leadership staff.
Councilmember Blumenfield made opening remarks about what this location means for individuals in this region. “This is a long time coming and what a remarkable space it is,” the Councilmember told the crowd. “Having a physical location opens up a launching pad for so many jobs for the entire region.”
This location provides all of the same resources available at other WSCs, with the addition of parents being able to participate in the childcare initiative to pay for childcare through WIOA funds. EWDD General Manager Carolyn Hull’s remarks touched on the importance of having these types of additional services that help parents find not just a job but a living wage, which is a critical component in the City’s ecosystem of building tomorrow's future.
EWDD’s WorkSource Centers offer job and skills training, resume assistance, and placement services for job seekers and business owners.
| |
|
Councilmember Soto- Martinez Tours BusinessSource, WorkSource, and YouthSource Centers in CD13
Last month, Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez (CD13) visited EWDD’s service centers—the Hollywood BusinessSource Center (BSC), Westlake YouthSource Center (YSC), and the Hollywood WorkSource Center (WSC) to learn about the ongoing workforce and business development resources available at all centers to the community.
At the BSC tour, Soto-Martinez met with EWDD leadership and BSC staff to engage in a robust conversation about small businesses in the district and how all parties can come together to collaborate to uplift businesses in the area. Additionally, the team heard about Cecilia's experience as a street vendor seeking a street vending permit. Through the BSC’s help, Cecilia submitted all the necessary paperwork in 20 minutes, even with a language barrier, resulting in a successful application submission for a street vending permit.
On Soto-Martinez’s visit to the YSC and WSC, he joined EWDD’s Workforce Development leadership to meet on-site with partners, participants, employers and staff for a rich and contextualized experience reflective of Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs and services. This visit allowed the Councilmember to gain a better understanding of the comprehensive workforce development resources available at the City's WSC and YSC locations in CD13.
EWDD looks forward to working with all Council Districts to ensure maximum service delivery to their respective constituencies.
| |
|
Southeast Los Angeles WorkSource Hire LAX Construction Training Program Graduation
At the end of March 2024, the HireLAX Construction Training Program held a graduation for its Cohort #19. Deputy Mayor Brenda Shockley and Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez (CD13) attended the graduation to congratulate the new graduates and to encourage them to continue doing their best. Deputy Mayor Shockley conveyed, "This is a gift you have given to yourself and it is a gift that will keep on giving as long as you continue to have the faith in yourself and to pursue all the opportunities that attract you. Congratulations on behalf of the Mayor and myself."
Program graduate and Southeast Los Angeles WorkSource Center (WSC) participant Myles Dorsey expressed, "I have gained a deeper understanding of the different trades in the construction sector and various career paths available to me. This exposure allowed me to explore my interests and identify potential areas of specialization moving forward,” Dorsey adds, "Overall, my experience in the construction pre-apprenticeship program has been incredibly rewarding. It has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to pursue a successful career in construction. As I look ahead, I am excited about opportunities that lie ahead and grateful for the solid foundation that this program has provided me."
The Southeast Los Angeles WSC’s HireLAX Construction Training Program provides 8-weeks of training to prepare local residents for a career in construction that includes a stipend to participants. Upon completion, trainees are prepared to enroll in a union apprenticeship program and employment on an LAX project. For more information about this program, contact Alphonso Reed or call (323) 563-5673.
| |
|
JEDI Zone Seminar in Council District 8
On February 29, 2024, Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson's (CD8) team and EWDD's Jobs & Economic Development Incentive Zone Program (JEDI) team held a seminar for 24 business owners and solo entrepreneurs from 21 different small businesses in the Crenshaw area. Small Businesses such as Floral Palace, Curry Consulting, and Kebeco Construction were in attendance. Attendees received information about resources and programs available to them that included: the JEDI program, Legacy Business Program, and information about Access to Capital. After the event, there was a service fair that provided networking, speed consulting, credit repair, and legal services.
The JEDI Program is an initiative that creates opportunities for businesses in shopping corridors to jump-start and improve the economic activity in their zone. The initiative focuses on, but is not limited to, clearing building code violations, connecting business owners to qualified employees, assistance with access to capital at low-interest rates, and façade improvement.
| |
For a list of business webinars for May, click here. | | |
|
|
Los Angeles Region Small Business Summit
Attention LA Business Owners! Join the County of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Mayor's Office for this year's Small Business Summit!
This free in-person series of events is a County-City partnership that seeks to help small businesses recover, grow, and thrive by bringing together the Region's top free business resources, services, and programs - all in one place! This event will include panel discussions, a resource expo that convenes all major public and private providers of free business support, on-site free services, and much more!
To register, visit bit.ly/LARegionSmallBizSummits2024.
| | |
|
Rapid Response for Affected 99 Cent Only Stores Employees
In partnership with the Mayor's Office, the Economic and Workforce Development Department’s (EWDD) Rapid Response team is holding virtual sessions to assist all affected 99 Cent Only Stores employees.
These presentations will cover the following topics:
-Help workers make sense of available supports like Unemployment Insurance and help to ease the transition.
-Provide resources such as job search assistance, career resources, and financial management.
To register for these sessions, please visit:
ENGLISH: bit.ly/RapidResponse-99
SPANISH: bit.ly/RespuestaRapida-99
All 14 WorkSource Centers (WSC) are also available to answer questions about being laid off and future employment opportunities. Visit bit.ly/EWDDWorkSource for the list of WSC locations and contact information.
| |
|
Join us for Hire LA Days! Meet employers & learn about internship opportunities in public service for LA City residents ages 16-30! Job opportunities include education, climate, and other community service roles, with summer and year-long options available.
Don't miss this chance to explore new career pathways and sign up for a fun internship while serving your community! Food, swag, and on-site application assistance will also be provided.
Los Angeles Southwest College:
Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 4PM-8PM
RSVP at bit.ly/Southwest-May2
| |
|
Legacy Businesses Program
This program is an ongoing initiative to celebrate and support the visibility, legacy, and sustainability of Legacy Businesses, small businesses that have been operational for 20 years or more, with tangible benefits including technical assistance, promotional support, and access to capital, including grants.
The program will support the visibility, patronage, and sustainability of long-standing small businesses within the City of LA that contribute to the city’s rich cultural and historical identity. The Legacy Business Program aims to foster economic empowerment by encouraging patronage of participating Legacy Businesses throughout Los Angeles.
To learn more, visit bit.ly/LAlegacy.
| | |
|
|
Angeleno Corps
Angeleno Corps offers 10 months of work experience at a community-based organization, professional development, and a $1000 monthly stipend for young people in Los Angeles (18 to 30 years old) attending school or an education program full-time in the Fall.
We are now accepting applications! To apply, please visit hirelayouth.com.
| | | |
|
|
Connect LA Job Fair
Join us at the Connect LA Job Fair! Meet with hiring representatives and gain access to a multitude of career opportunities!
Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Los Angeles Trade Technical College - Culinary Arts Building
400 West Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015
To register online, visit: bit.ly/Central-DTLAConnectLAJobFair.
Walk-Ins welcome.
Bring your resume and be interview ready!
| | | |
|
|
Women's Career & Wellness Expo
LADWP Women’s Expo returns for its second year as an opportunity for women, girls and the greater Los Angeles community to learn about career opportunities at LADWP, as well as employee initiatives and benefits LADWP offers to support women in the workplace.
At the Expo, attendees can:
• Speak with women from LADWP’s workforce about their careers in skilled crafts and fields construction, electrical, engineering, IT, security and more!
• Participate in equipment and machinery demonstrations and hands-on activities
• Connect with wellness representatives and learn more about employee benefits LADWP offers
• Enjoy free food and giveaways
Register Here.
| | |
|
If TTY/TTD is needed to contact us, please use 711 for Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS).
If you have any questions, comments, or wish to have a contribution considered for inclusion in an upcoming EWDD Updates, please contact EWDD's Comms Team at ewddcomms@lacity.org.
| | | | |
